By Olga Jacques

Have you ever been afraid of making that one big step? A leap that will put you out there and expose you to either acceptance or rejection, cheers or jeers. Many people are afraid of challenges. I am one of those people. I like being in my comfort zone. In this zone, I get to play it safe and not stretch myself to the limit. In Luke 12:11-12, Jesus says to His disciples “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say”. Essentially, Jesus is telling His disciples to not be afraid. He knows that being in such an environment may scare the disciples because they are afraid of the harm that the Pharisees may inflict on them. I feel that he speaks to all of us with this verse. There are many obstacles and borders that we will have to cross. Regardless of these endeavors, He is with us and is telling us to not avoid the challenges but rather face them. For His disciples, their formidable ventures would be to share God’s word and spread the wonderful news of the Resurrection of Jesus. What challenge(s) are you facing today? Is it a test? A paper, which is almost 50% of your final grade? (I had one of those. Arghhhh!!!) Or maybe you are unsure about the next big step in your life? The ultimate challenge for Jesus was dying on the cross to save mankind. The ultimate reward is that His Death and Resurrection is the greatest gift to us because through Him we can be saved. Embrace your endeavors, knowing that through the grace of God you will have discernment, strength and guidance.